I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit – What now?
Patients with the most severe symptoms of coronavirus may spend time in the Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Recovery after an ICU stay can be a traumatic time for both patients and their families. Consequently, some people develop symptoms of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). Symptoms of PICS can include anxiety, depression, not wanting to leave the house, avoiding friends, poor memory, reduced sleep, having pain and feeling generally weak.
Important points for your recovery
• Remember your GP is your main source of help and advice.
• Please try to attend any hospital appointments as they will help improve your health.
• Getting enough sleep, eating well and taking sensible amounts of exercise can all help with your recovery (see general well-being section).
PICS Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
Physical changes
When you are very unwell in ICU, the nerves and muscles are also affected which can lead to something called ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW). You might have noticed that your thigh and arm muscles are smaller than they were before you went to ICU and you might still feel weak despite having been home for a while. This is a common problem. It occurs in up to half of the patients who stay in the ICU for at least one week. Some people find that it may take more than a year to fully recover from this weakness, which can make every day activities difficult. It is easy to get frustrated – many people feel ‘the mind is willing but the body won’t follow’.
Pacing is important. You wouldn’t take all your medication for the week in one day and the same is true for exercise. You must do little and often rather than doing everything in one day and then being too tired the rest of the week. The leaflet below has practical tips on pacing and how to conserve energy.
What if I have Pain?
Pain is a common problem for many patients after ICU. It occurs in many areas of your body and has many different causes. These problems can improve over many months but it is important you discuss your pain with your GP. This is very important if pain is stopping you from building your muscles back up. Some people (but not all), feel the pain has gone away completely a year after leaving hospital.
Change in Mood and Mental Health
Many people have little or no memory of their time in ICU and this is often due to something called Delirium, which occurs when you are very unwell and the brain can’t lay down memories as normal. This can lead to confusion, unusual thoughts, flashbacks and nightmares. These are common emotional responses after being in ICU. People can experience traumatic stress and it can take time to process this. These symptoms often improve over time and talking to other people can be useful. There are lots of other ways to find help and don’t forget, your GP is there to help you.
Further Information
Websites
- Critical Care Recovery Website which includes information, advice and support on recovery after Intensive Care.
- ICU Steps Intensive Care Patient support charity provides information and advice for patients and families after ICU admission.
Self-Help Information and Resources
Emotional Support
- The Samaritans Call: 116 123 for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Breathing Space Call: 0800 83 85 87 for free Monday to Thursday 6.00pm to 2.00am and Friday 6.00pm to Monday 6.00am.
Specific Support for NHSGGC Patients
The NHSGGC Support and Information Service is here to support people while they are in hospital and when they go home. They can support with a wide range of topics including health, lifestyle and well-being to money worries, accessing services including carers support and everything in between. You can find the kiosks on the ground floor in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Royal Hospital for Children, New Stobhill Hospital and the New Victoria Hospital
Information produced by NHSGGC Physiotherapist & Occupational Therapist, NHSGGC InS:pire Programme Team